Born in Germany in the 11th century, his parents were from a prominent family in Cologne. 

As a young man, he studied in Reems, France for a while and then returned home to dedicate his life to The Lord, becoming a priest in 1055. 

One year later he was asked by the Bishop to return to Reems where he was directed to lead a school which did, so for the next 18 years. And, his students flourished, one of them becoming Pope Urban II. 

In his mid-40s, Bruno was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese and became a significant supporter of Gregory II, and his fight against clerical abuse. 

For his efforts to remove a corrupt Bishop, his house was nearly destroyed. 

Bruno longed for a contemplative life and sought a journey in solitude and prayer. Ultimately he was given land in eastern France where he started a new community: The Carthusians. 

They dedicated themselves to prayer, silence, and manuscripts but Bruno was called to Rome to help support the Pope. 

After that he was offered a position as Bishop, which he refused, he, instead, started another new order in Calabria, Italy, and died on this day in 1101. 

St. Bruno, please pray for us.